Officials partner to reduce domestic violence in city

Jeff Dudley, OldTownLaurelColumn@yahoo.com 301-725-0377

MayorCraig Moe and Laurel Police ChiefRichard McLaughlin have joined with the Prince George's County State's Attorney Office and other organizations, including the House of Ruth, to reduce domestic violence in the city. A kickoff meeting is set for Thursday, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m., in the Police Department's Partnership Activity Center, 811 Fifth St. Victims seeking assistance, friends and family worried about loved ones who may be involved in abusive relationships, or anyone seeking information about domestic violence are invited to attend this meeting. Questions may be addressed to Maj.Bob Althoff, at 301-498-0092.

Longtime Old Town resident Katie Hopkins marked her 105th birthday on Oct. 10. Born in 1906, "Miss Katie," as she is affectionately known, has lived in the Old Town area her entire life. A party was held at Patuxent River Health and Rehabilitation Center Oct. 8. Miss Katie spent the afternoon surrounded by family, friends and fellow congregants from St. Mark's United Methodist Church, where she has been a lifelong member.

Laurel Presbyterian Church, 7610 Old Sandy Spring Road, is having its Fall Bazaar Sat., Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual event features handmade crafts, a white elephant table and a Kid's Corner. Light refreshments and baked good will also be available. Call 301-776-6665 for more information.

My friend Betty Turney has a bit of a dilemma on her hands. Recently, as she was going about her daily routine, she discovered that she'd lost her purse. Betty is sure it was lost in Laurel. She remembers carrying it to the car, and in and out of a number of places she stopped at before heading off to work. When she got to work, the bag was no longer in her possession. This is not your normal lost handbag situation. Along with her drivers license, identification and credit cards, the bag also held flash drives, among other things. Betty told me "my whole life is in that bag." Square and black, the bag is small in size, resembling a fanny pack. It has the letters AARP on it. If you've come across Betty's bag, please call her at 301-466-2887.

Joyce Willis stopped me the other day to let me know that her daughter, Melissa Miller, recently welcomed baby girl Janiah Destini, born on Oct. 5. By all reports, mother and daughter are doing well.